Barbara (Smith) is the “Quacker Cop” you’ve heard Jeanne talk about for years. She’s also Jeanne’s good friend and traveling companion. Barbara will be sharing her observations and experiences in a regular feature on our website. Enjoy!
Our first trip in the Fall season began as tropical storm Nicole was making its way up the Atlantic Coast. Despite all the weatherman's reports, Florida was spared the extreme heavy rains. As we flew North from Ft. Lauderdale, we knew the Philadelphia area was being hit pretty hard with many inches of rain. When we landed, actually earlier than scheduled, the skies were clearing, with the sun starting to peek out. Driving to the hotel, the sun seemed to be just ahead of us, providing a sunny path for us to follow. We took this as a "happy" sign for this Philadelphia stay.
Jeanne and I arrived at the hotel, proceeding directly to our usual spot at the Pub. As we walked into the room, heading for our favorite table, Jimmy, the bartender, sent over our favorite cocktails. Switching to Pinot Noir (red wine) seems to be working out just fine. After enjoying a lovely dinner, we headed up to our rooms. We were pretty tired, the first travel day is extremely long, especially with a 5am wake up.
Saturday was an early day, meeting Jeanne in the lobby just after 6am. QVC had scheduled Jeanne for an appearance on AM Style. Our stay at QVC went quickly. Leaving just after 9am, we had the whole day ahead of us. We headed to Susan's house for a meeting to discuss new concepts and designs for next year. We made at stop at my favorite store "WaWa" picking up hoagies and sandwiches for lunch.
Arriving at Susan's house, we were met with witches, pumpkins and flying ghosts in the front yard. The Halloween season had certainly arrived at this house. The day was very productive. I loved seeing the new designs and styles that will be presented to the QVC buyers, Siobain and Alice. As a Quacker, I am thrilled to say Quacker Factory just gets better and better.
Sunday was as it should be....happy and relaxing. The hotel has an amazing Sunday Brunch, which helped me to start my day. Jeanne and I even had time to play our favorite card game. Jeanne, a great card player, whipped my butt, as usual.
Jeanne loves Fashion Day, so we were excited about the upcoming show with Patti Reilly. Monday, we arrived early at QVC, heading straight for the "Green Room". The room filled up with Angel, Susan, Christy, Michelle, Siobain and Alice sharing in the excitement as Jeanne was debuting the amazing DreamJeanne's leggings. Some of the Quacker Factory team (including me) would be "on air" during the show, modeling the "DreamJeannes". I loved being with the beautiful models showing off the leggings. This was the very first time I have ever worn leggings. Great fun for me, especially since I am the oldest and know as the "shyest" (ha, ha). I am thrilled the Quackers responded to great looks with comfort. The leggings "flew out the door". Our day ended with Jeanne having an appearance on PM Style. Lisa Robertson is even more beautiful and kind in person. I loved seeing her wearing a Quacker Factory sweater. Perfect ending to a "Perfect Day".
Five days after arriving back home in West Melbourne, I was On the Road Again, heading southbound on Interstate 95 to Boca Raton. This was for a two night stay at Jeanne's house getting in some well needed "girlfriend time" Over the years, Jeanne has hosted 2 cruises and a trip to Branson. Many, many girlfriend friendships were started as we all shared in our Quacker Factory love. One of the Quackers, Janet, has a vacation home in Melbourne Beach. Although she resides in New Jersey, she loves her Florida time. Arlene and her daughter Alicia, from Philadelphia, were spending a week visiting Janet. Knowing about their visit to Florida, Jeanne invited them to spend some time with her in Boca. Not wanting to miss some "girlfriend" time, we met at my house, and I drove everybody to Jeanne's. Lee, Jeanne's daughter, came to Jeanne's and joined us for dinner. Such fun sitting around the dining table laughing and exchanges stories. Another Quacker, Marilyn, known as the "Arizona Peanut" was spending the week in Delray Beach, a town just a few miles north of Jeanne's house. I invited Marilyn to join us for dinner. What fun seeing friends from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Florida enjoying each other's company. Amazing to think all of this was happening because we joined Jeanne on her cruise. Dinner was wonderful. The laughs were plentiful.
Monday, Arlene, Alicia, Janet and I spent time (and money) at a big, big flea market. The day ended with dinner and fun at the Lobster Chop House.
The following day, the table was set for an amazing lunch. We all celebrated Page's Birthday, (Page works at Jeanne's taking care of all the office stuff) joining in the singing of Happy Birthday as well as eating the delicious Birthday cake.
Another great "girlfriend gathering". All good things come to an end, so soon we were heading back north on 95 to West Melbourne. Time to get ready to go back to my "real job". Time to go back to doing what I have done for over 40 years, a Police Detective. That Wednesday, during the workday, the West Melbourne Police Department had a large luncheon celebration. About a month before, my Sergeant and I located a man who called a friend and was threatening to kill himself. No one knew where he was. I had a "hunch", and located him. We found him holding a gun under his chin. We stood less than 10 feet away from him, as we spent almost a half hour convincing him not to shoot and to give us the gun. Finally, he put the gun down, allowing us to take the gun from him. It was a really tough, emotional day. The Department honored us at the luncheon with The Life Saving Award. This award had only been given one other time in the department's 30 year history. Times like these I am so proud to be a cop.
Thinking about the great weekend at Jeanne's house, I am happy to know we (Jeanne, Lee, Janet, Arlene, Alicia, Marilyn and I) are going on the 2011 Quacker Cruise. I can't help but remember I went all alone on her first cruise in 2003. I brought along several book, just in case no one talked to me. Turned out, I never opened a book, and had the time of my life. For me, it was life changing as I became part of so many wonderful friendships with women all over the U.S., all because I love wearing Quacker Factory. Now that the 2011 cruise has been announced, I hope many of you think about joining us. You will love connecting with women just like you. Many women come as a "single", some come with family or old friends, a status that will broaden as they all become part of the "Quacker Factory Family". Something to think about........
Go to www.QuackerCruise.com to see just how much fun we all have!
The month of October is coming to an end. Jeanne and I will be heading back up to Pennsylvania. The month of November starts with a Quacker Factory Today's Special Value. An amazing TSV. There will be so much to tell you about.
(Please let me hear from you: email me at barbara@quackerfactory.com.) I love hearing from others Quackers! With Hugs and Love, Barbara (Quacker Cop)
